This work is from a series inspired by the heroines of the operas “Turandot,” “Tosca,” “Madama Butterfly,” “La Boheme,” “Lucia di Lammermoor,” and “La Traviata.”  These pieces are interpretations in metal and gemstones of my thoughts on the personalities, cultures, status, and affectations of these women, as well as the time periods in which their stories are set.  Some of them are loosely or abstractly figurative in form while others are made up solely of symbols.  Black stones or dark patinas denote the tragic nature of these operas; there is death in all of them.

#4 Madama Butterfly.  Brooch.  Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, inspired this homage to the delicate, vulnerable Butterfly.  Cast and constructed sterling silver, Montana agate, black jade, obsidian, patina.  4.25" long x 2.5" wide x scant 1" deep.